The U.S. Navy has issued a request for information (RFI) seeking a multi-mission Special Mission Vessel — a versatile "mothership" able to launch, recover and sustain a mix of manned and unmanned air and surface platforms in support of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) operations in the Eastern Pacific and Southern Caribbean.
What the Navy Asked Industry
The RFI, posted on the federal contracting site SAM.gov, solicits industry feedback on both new designs and conversions of existing commercial vessels. The Navy told industry it wants to "use existing, non-developmental platforms to the maximum extent possible" while remaining open to purpose-built designs.
Beaufort Wind Scale Chart. (National Weather Service)
Baseline Technical Requirements
Key technical and operational requirements listed in the RFI include:
A U.S. Navy MH-60S Sea Hawk, assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 23. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Adam Barnett) Petty Officer 3rd Class Adam Barnett
- Preferred hulls: steel monohull or catamaran, 300–400 feet in length.
- Propulsion and endurance: minimum sustained speed of 10 knots and a range of about 9,600 nautical miles; capable of remaining at sea for at least 30 days without underway replenishment at maximum personnel load.
- Seakeeping: able to conduct primary operations and survive in Beaufort Wind Scale 6 conditions (winds ~22–27 knots, waves to ~12 ft) and perform boat launch/recovery in Scale 4 (winds ~11–16 knots, waves to ~5 ft).
- Air operations: flight deck/helipad sized and reinforced to launch and recover Sikorsky SH-60 variants, MH-60 Seahawk, MH-60T Jayhawk and MH-65 Dolphin helicopters; support for Class 2/3 vertical take-off UAS, with a minimum 20×20 ft dedicated clear deck for UAS recovery and sockets for at least two 20-foot-equivalent containers for UAS control/maintenance.
- Small-boat operations: non-deck-crane launch/recovery system for boats 24–44 ft (up to 35,000 lbs) plus a small crane (fixed/portable) for emergency recoveries.
- Refueling capability: ability to receive/store multiple fuel grades for ship propulsion and auxiliaries and to safely refuel embarked small craft to U.S. Coast Guard standards.
- Habitability and mission spaces: berthing for up to 69 personnel (including 20–25 civilian mariner staterooms and open berthing for 29–44 embarked crew), secure climate-controlled detainee space for 10–12 people, a 160-sq-ft armory and a 100-sq-ft magazine.
- Force protection: not intended to be heavily armed but must support AT/FP .50-caliber machine-gun mounts.
Operational Context and Controversy
Officials framed the requirement in the context of persistent counter-narcotics and counter-trafficking operations in the region. Recent strikes on vessels suspected of involvement in illicit trafficking have drawn public scrutiny and legal debate. Critics say some actions may raise questions about rules of armed conflict or require clearer authorization; the White House and Pentagon have defended the operations. SOUTHCOM publicly posted about a June 21, 2026, strike directed by its commander, Gen. Francis L. Donovan.
Embarked Marines from Marine Corps Security Force Regiment Company Alpha 6 and Company Bravo 5 conduct a small arms gunshoot onboard Ship Special MissionKellie Chouest, May 9, 2022. (U.S. Navy photo by Lieutenant Ian Blankenship/Released) U.S. Naval Forces Southern Comma
Timeline, Acquisition Paths and the Kellie Chouest
The RFI notes the proposed Special Mission Vessel is included in the President's Fiscal Year 2027 budget. The Navy said it intends to issue a formal Request for Proposals after FY27 appropriations are enacted, and the RFI is part of normal market research to identify industry capabilities.
Carolyn Chouestin the Philippines during Exercise Balikatan 22. A CCA special operations boat is also seen in the foreground. USMC
Several acquisition paths are possible: construction of a new ship, acquisition and conversion of a commercial vessel, renewal of the existing charter for MV Kellie Chouest, or adding a new platform alongside Kellie Chouest. The 310-foot MV Kellie Chouest — currently operated under charter by the Military Sealift Command (MSC) — closely matches many RFI requirements: ~13-knot speed, helicopter pad, berthing for 53, container capacity and boat-handling gear. MSC says its latest four-year charter of Kellie Chouest expires March 31, 2028.
The M/VOcean Trader. (David Kozdron) (David Kozdron)
Related Converted Platforms
The Navy and MSC have previously used converted commercial vessels for similar missions, including the Carolyn Chouest (a sea-base platform used to support special operations) and the larger M/V Ocean Trader (a roll-on/roll-off modified to carry special operators, helicopters and UAVs). These conversions illustrate the trade-offs between cost, speed of availability and tailored capability.
What Comes Next
By issuing the RFI the Navy is asking industry for innovative concepts that meet foundational mission needs. The service, MSC and SOUTHCOM were contacted for further comment; SOUTHCOM declined to discuss current operations aboard Kellie Chouest or specific drones it may operate. The Navy expects to refine requirements and move to a formal solicitation after FY27 funding is finalized.
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